Abstract: A rectangular tilt-up concrete tank includes a concrete slab with a metal plate anchored thereto, the metal plate defining at least one substantially linear concrete side wall location. A plurality of preformed concrete side panels each having metal plates attached along a bottom edge and opposing side edges are welded in a liquid-tight weld to the metal plate defining the concrete side wall location and a side metal plate of each side panel is welded to a metal side plate of an adjacent side panel in a liquid-tight weld to define a concrete side wall. Horizontal and vertical post-tensioning sleeves are provided in the side panels for receiving post-tensioning tendons.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A hold-down system used to secure a building structure to the foundation, thereby enabling the building to better withstand forces like high winds and earthquakes because these forces may then be distributed to the foundation. The hold-down system is characterized as being continuous and having stackable, individual take-up units. A continuous hold-down system allows the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing of the building's frame throughout each level of the building because the anchor of the system is always in communication with the foundation of the building. The individual take-up units are stackable allowing each level of the system to compensate for shrinkage or crushing on that level as well as adjacent levels.

Abstract: A protective cover for a column base connector having a lower portion set in a body of concrete and an upper portion in the form of spaced-apart, upstanding, first and second flanges extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body of concrete, each one of the first and second flanges defining a respective one of first and second flange bolt holes for use in bolting a column to the column base connector. The protective cover takes the form of an inverted pot having a lower edge and a size such that the inverted pot fits over the upper portion of the column base connector with the lower edge atop an upper surface of the body of concrete. The inverted pot includes a first side that defines a first cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the first flange bolt hole, and a second side of the inverted pot opposite the first side that defines a second cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the second flange bolt hole.

Abstract: A method for using tilt-up panels with chamfered sides, extensions below the panels ad receptacles for removable eyelets approximately ? of the way up the panel. Inserts may be used between the panels to hold epoxy or other materials. The inserts may include a T-shaped form that obviates the need for caulking between the outside portions of the panels.

Abstract: An upper framed portion of a building structure may be anchored to a lower masonry wall by using a conventional concrete anchor and an anchor retainer. The anchor retainer may have a body portion longer than the width of the wall and both upper and lower reference surfaces. An anchor retainer assembly is temporarily formed by inserting the anchor through a throughhole in the retainer body so that the threaded upper portion of the anchor extends above the upper reference surface of the retainer by a first selected height, so as to leave enough of the threaded end exposed above the retainer for at least one nut to be securely attached to the anchor. No unthreaded portion of the anchor extends above the lower reference surface by more than a second amount that is generally selected to be equal to the actual thickness of the framing member, so as to ensure that no substantial unthreaded portion of the anchor can extend above that member.

Abstract: An anchor bolt setting template is used to position an anchor bolt in a wall for attachment of a first plate or a second plate to the wall. The first and second plates having different dimensions from each other. The template includes a rigid washer plate having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends. An opening is formed in the washer plate lying along the longitudinal axis. The opening is non-equidistant between the first and second ends and defines a first distance between the opening and the first end and a second distance between the opening and the second end. The first distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the first plate for attachment to the wall, and the second distance is established to position the anchor bolt in the wall to properly position the second plate for attachment to the wall. The template can include a sleeve frangibly connected to the plate for receiving the bolt.

Abstract: A block-out tube for use in joining together pre-cast concrete members, the block-out tube having an ovalized cross-section, an integral elongate imperforate hollow tubular body with smoothly curved corrugated walls, a rounded tip closing the bottom end thereof, a mounting flange with tear-away nail tabs at the top open end thereof, and a removable transparent member for sealing the top end for preventing water and debris from entering the interior of the tube. The block-out tube, secured by attaching the tear-away tabs to a concrete pouring form, is cast into the top of the lower concrete member, the ovalized corrugated body being embedded therein and the top sealed end being exposed at the top surface thereof, after the removal of the form.

Abstract: A low impact foundation system requiring little or no excavation, and allowing for the preservation of soil and drainage characteristics of the site upon which it is erected. The system utilizes small obliquely driven piles in combination with footing or otherwise footing components designed to engage a foundation wall and replace the common footing typically constructed below such walls.

Abstract: The present invention foundation kit is generally comprised of prefabricated modular components and hardware, which can be used for easily and efficiently constructing a foundation for a moderately sized building such as a house. In another aspect, the present invention kit can be seen as embodying a variety of optional modular components that can be used for constructing steps, landings, and/or decks. In still another aspect the present invention can be seen from the perspective of the methods used in fabricating the components of the kit and for constructing a significant portion of a building from the kit including the kit's associated optional components. In another embodiment the kit is designed to have prefabricated modular wall panels that could be used in the construction of a building having a concrete slab base or foundation.

Abstract: A material-rack system comprises an offset safety netting, a perimeter cable suspension system for the netting, offset brackets to anchor the perimeter cable suspension system away by adjustable amounts, and vertical extension posts that bolt to the face of the upper frame parts of a pallet rack. The curtain netting is supported around its edges by attachments to taut wire ropes that are supported by the offset brackets. Such offset brackets slip over the vertical frame parts of the pallet rack. The brackets are always flush ended with the netting, and include several mounting points for the frame attachment.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure. The device includes at least one active element, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and able to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, one end of the active element configured to be connected to a structure, and at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame is configured to be connected to a second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

Abstract: A pre-cast article of manufacture, system and method of manufacturing and constructing a deck, dock step(s) and dock is disclosed utilizing 2 main components, beam(s) and slab(s). Optional accessories are also disclosed that may be added such as hand rail(s), boat bumper(s) and water access ladder(s).

Abstract: A two-piece bracket adapted to resist forces in both tension and compression. The tension/compression bracket is formed from stamped, plate steel and is preassembled by clinching or with structural adhesives. The tension/compression bracket provides a range of adjustability of attachment to allow for a limited range of placement of other components that attach to the tension/compression bracket. In one embodiment, the tension/compression bracket includes a resilient resistance to tension forces. The resilient resistance is provided by a high spring constant coil spring. The resilient resistance provides a limited degree of movement under tension. The limited degree of movement is chosen by component selection to be non-damaging.

Abstract: A connector for securing a first building structural member to a second building structural member is provided. The connector includes a seat member with an opening for receiving an anchor bolt that secures the connector to the second building structural member. The connector also includes first and second side members that connect to the seat member and a back member that extends between the first and second side members, wherein the back member includes a plurality of shear openings for receiving shear fasteners that secure the connector to the first building structural member and resist shear forces only and at least one tension opening for receiving a tension fastener that secures the connector to the first building structural member and resists tension forces only.

Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

Abstract: A precast concrete retaining wall forms a wing wall for a precast concrete culvert unit and is supported by a concrete footer with one or more precast anchor member projecting laterally from the wing wall into the back-filled soil behind the wing wall. Secondary reinforcing members in the form of elongated metal fibers or light weight welded wire mesh extend throughout the wing wall, and substantially heavier primary reinforcing bars extend vertically within the wing wall where head portions of reinforcing rods within the anchor member connect with the wing wall. In another embodiment, the reinforcing rods within the anchor member extend through ducts or tubes and have end portions threaded into the tubular anchors precast within the wing wall adjacent the reinforcing rods to provide for attaching the anchor member at the construction site after separately precasting the anchor member and wing wall.

Abstract: A wall is constructed from precast concrete blocks stacked in tiers in which adjacent blocks are secured together to increase the strength of the wall. Anchors are embedded in the tops of at least some of the blocks. The ends of the blocks have vertical grooves which form a vertical opening when the ends of two blocks abut. The blocks in the tiers are offset so that the openings between blocks in one tier are positioned above the anchors on the blocks on the adjacent lower tier. The blocks in each tier are secured together by a tensioned cable extending through aligned passages in the blocks. Locking members are placed in the openings to secure the ends of the abutting blocks to an anchor in an adjacent lower block.

Abstract: A mounting bracket having a vertical member with a back portion and side flanges where the back portion has a plurality of slots and holes and the side flanges have slots at both ends. Adjustably connected to the vertical member is a shoe with a bottom portion and side flanges that extend upwardly and are aligned with the side flanges of the vertical member. The shoe is positioned substantially perpendicular to the vertical member to form a generally L-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A novel prefabricated shearwall is disclosed with improved structural characteristics in terms of its ability to 1) transfer lateral loads to the foundation, 2) resist bending moments normally arising in conventional shearwalls between hold-down hardware and end posts or vertical framing members, 3) effectively diffuse stresses known to result in nail fatigue, and 4) reduce slippage between the bottom of the end posts and base in response to cyclic loadings. These superior properties result partly from its geometry in lower, or shear force transfer region, accompanied by thrust block/anchor rod assemblies to provide stiffness and strength over the lower portion of the end posts. Furthermore, specialized wrap-around connector plates that cover a portion of the bottom surface of these end posts also contribute to the enhanced prefabricated shearwall design.

Abstract: A novel foundation system, method of manufacture and method of implementation are disclosed, comprising a simplified cast structure/pile combination strengthened by dispersed steel fibers within the cementious material.

Abstract: Construction systems and methods for anchoring a structural member of a building to a base member of a building including one or more anchoring devices, each anchoring device having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the structural member and the second portion of each anchoring device is fixedly attached to the base member. Each anchoring device preferably including a fiber composite material.

Abstract: A mast lighting system of the type including at least one mast that is mountable onto a foundation. A portion of the mast is capable of supporting an electrical component. A distribution component subassembly is disposed within a power distribution assembly. An electrical cable disposed within the mast connects the electrical component to the distribution component subassembly of the power distribution assembly through a breakaway connector set. A remote power source is in communication with the distribution component subassembly. The mast defines an interior chamber therein of sufficient dimensions to receive the power distribution assembly. The power distribution assembly is disposed within the chamber and onto a generally planar surface of the foundation. In use, the power distribution assembly is protected from collision damage, but is accessible to the user through the opening in the mast.

Abstract: A jig (40) for locating anchor bolts in concrete standards of outdoor lighting installations comprises four complementary corner members (42) that can be interconnected and then secured together with fasteners (45) in the desired pattern. A second embodiment (70) comprised of male and female members (72, 74) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for securing the wall framing and roof of a building structure against wind. A cable tensioner, located between two uprights of the wall framing and below the top plate, is attached to an anchor secured in the foundation. A cable extends over the first roofing member, under the top plate, over a second roofing member, through the cable tensioner, and over a third roofing member. In another embodiment, a cable tensioner has a vertical sleeve, a hollow tube affixed to the vertical sleeve, a rod extending through the vertical sleeve, and a nut threaded onto the nut for tensioning the cable.

Abstract: A shear wall construction and method for assembling the same is disclosed. A plywood sheet includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts proximate each lateral end. A channel-defining member is fitted and fixed between the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a concrete foundation or other underlying building element. A track is also provided for sheathing a lower edge of the shear wall. Protrusions from the metal track aid in anchoring the shear wall to the concrete foundation.

Abstract: A strap connector is compressibly held to a support member by a holder which is connected to the support member by fasteners. The support member can be a formboard for containing a concrete foundation during pouring and setting, and the strap connector is a strap tie holdown.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.

Abstract: A building foundation anchoring and interface system for receiving supporting the base of an upright structural column. This system and interface includes an open-topped bucket-well structure which is embedded in a foundation, and which is sized so as to permit the received base of an inserted column to be adjusted laterally, in a multidirectional sense, vertically angularly, and axially rotationally, and with substantial clearance, so as to enable easy correct positioning of a column. Poured into the bucket-well structure after the same has received the base of a column is an appropriate fluid-flowable, hardenable, bulk anchoring material, such as conventional building grout material. An opening may be provided in the wall of the base of a column so that such flowable material flows into the interior of a column, as well as into the space between the outside of the column's base and the inside of the receiving bucket-well.

Abstract: An assembly to secure a shear assembly and attached building wall to a building foundation in order to resist uplift forces and to transfer vertical weight loads to the foundation. The assembly provides a degree of motion perpendicular to the plane of the wall in order to accommodate misplacement of anchor structures set in the building foundation. The assembly is configured and is attached to anchor structures in such a way as to accommodate a variety of protrusions of the anchor structures from the building foundation. The assembly provides additional convenience of use by being substantially pre-assembled. The assembly is also adapted to interconnect structural members in multi-story buildings.

Abstract: A foundation for a tower is formed of a plurality of prefabricated slabs coupled together so as to function as a monolithic foundation.

Abstract: A dual function connector for connecting a foundation to a structural element to resist both tension and shear forces. The connector is preferably flat with a top section and a bottom section with the top section being askew to the bottom section. In use the bottom section of the dual function connector can be disposed in the concrete foundation proximate to an exterior surface thereof with the top section of the dual function connector extending from said foundation, the structural element can be disposed adjacent to the top section with the side face of said structural element lying in a first plane transverse to the exterior surface of the concrete foundation, and the side face of the structural element can be fastened to the top section of the dual function connector for resisting shear and tension forces.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A reinforcing concrete pier comprising a concrete member 1a, and structural main reinforcing bars 1b embedded in the concrete member so as to extend along an axial direction of the concrete member. A high-strength core member 2, which is higher in strength than the structural main reinforcing bars, is embedded in the concrete member inside the structural main reinforcing bars so as to extend along the axial direction. One end portion 2b with a gap of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at a base portion of the pier, and the other end portion 2a of the core member is fixed to the concrete member at an intermediate portion 1d of the pier. Further, the core member has an unbounded region D in which the core member is not bonded to the concrete member between the one end portion and the other end portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of constructing barrier wall structures. More particularly, the invention relates to a manner in which to use common building materials and methods in erecting a barrier wall system more efficiently than in the past. The apparatus includes among its essential elements a formed reinforcement cage; a plurality of spacers that are used to support the reinforcement cage; a plurality of cable anchors each being an elongated member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored to the ground and the second end is adapted to be attached to a cable; a plurality of elongated cable members that connects the reinforcement cage and the anchor member; a plurality of cable gripping members for holding the cables taut wherein the cables secures in place the reinforcement cage; and, a formed outer concrete layer that is molded over the reinforcement cage.

Abstract: A shear panel assembly including a shear panel in combination with a shear panel hold-down. The shear panel includes a frame and a panel diaphragm including a peripheral edge. The frame includes an upper horizontal frame member pivotally interconnecting the upper ends of first and second upright frame members. A lower horizontal is connected at the lower ends of the first and second upright frame members. The peripheral edge of the panel diaphragm is secured to an inner periphery of the frame within the depth of the frame. The shear panel system includes a hold-down having a base and at least one upright frame member engagement tab pivotally connected to and extending from the base for attachment to an upright frame member.

Abstract: An above ground tower foundation uses embedded tension/compression components secured to a ground level cap. The components each terminate distally in a below ground soil or rock anchoring structure. The components embed without deep wide area site excavation or dewatering. The components with their distal anchoring structure provide exceptional bearing and tension capacity to the foundation, and high resistance to overturning moments acting on the tower. The tension/compression components may be straight or tapered piles with distal end helical fins, piles with a distal end grouted soil or rock anchor, caissons with a distal belled section, caissons with a distal end grouted soil or rock anchor, helical screw anchors or any combinations thereof Construction of this foundation comprises the following steps. A minimal ground-level excavation is established for the cap. The tension/compression components embed into deep, high-strength soil layers without deep below ground excavation. The cap is formed.

Abstract: A jig (40) for locating anchor bolts in concrete standards of outdoor lighting installations comprises four complementary corner members (42) that can be interconnected and then secured together with fasteners (45) in the desired pattern. A second embodiment (70) comprised of male and female members (72, 74) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A take up device for a building structure, e.g. holdown for securing the building structure to a foundation, has a housing secured by fasteners to the building structure, the housing defining a cylindrical chamber containing a piston and fluid, with a piston rod projecting from the housing. The piston rod is connected to a foundation anchor, and a fluid passage interconnects portions of the cylindrical chamber at opposite sides of the piston. The fluid passage is provided with a one-way valve, which allows the housing to move upwardly relative to the piston, to maintain the tightness of the connection to the anchor bolt, but resists opposite movement of the housing.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A device is provided which enables an object such as a window protection device to be secured to a structure, where the device passes through a hole in one or more structures located between the object, and the structure to which attachment is desired. The device can be screwed, or otherwise attached, to wood structural framing which is concealed beneath veneer, such as bricks and other masonry. The other end of the device receives a tool which allows such an installation, and also the removal of the device. The other end also receives a fastener, such as a bolt, which secures the material or the track to the end of the device, the end of the device being substantially flush with the exterior veneer surface. The end of the device is flared to seal the hole in the veneer and increase the stability of the device in the hole.

Abstract: A connector that is to be partially embedded in a cementitious member is adapted to make a more positive connection to a form board for the cementitious member. The embedded portion of the connector is formed with a opening that can receive and hold the shank of a nail that is partially driven into a form board. Preferably, a double-headed nail is held by a keyhole-shaped opening. The double-headed nail is held by the narrow portion of the keyhole slot at the upper portion of the shank between the end most head and the intermediate flanges or head of the nail. The nail is moved into position by inserting the nail through the wide portion of the keyhole opening so that the intermediate head and the upper portion of the shank is received thereby. Then, the upper portion of the shank of the fastener is slid out of the wide portion and into the narrow portion of the keyhole opening to finish the connection.

Abstract: A hollow pole having a flared lower end is matingly mounted in a base flange fitted over, and in facing contact with, the flared end portion of the pole and having a tubular wedge matingly fitted in the flared end of the pole so that the pole is bonded to the tubular wedge and the base flange solely by galling action. The assembly is effected by using relatively soft aluminum alloy from which the components are made but which is heat treated prior to assembly to increase hardness and tensile strength so that assembly of the pole, tubular wedge and base flange results in a galling action providing the sole bonding of the pole to the other parts.

Abstract: A retaining wall, supported by a footer, foundation or conventional retaining wall, includes a plurality of post-tensioning rods anchored in the underlying support and extending through the cells of blocks forming the courses of the retaining wall. An elongated apertured plate or a plurality of individual plates rest upon the next to last course to penetrably receive the threaded ends of each of the rods. Nuts engage the threaded ends of the rods to draw the rods to the plate and place them in tension. The top course rests upon the plate or plates and may be constructed as a bond beam. The rods extending from the support may be located adjacent the said side of the retaining wall and bent away therefrom to penetrate the plate or plates at the lateral midpoint of the plate or plates and thereafter extend essentially vertically upwardly. To add an extended wall supported on the bond beam, couplings may be threadedly engaged with the rod ends. Further rods threadedly engage the couplings and extend upwardly.

Abstract: A hold-down for securing first and second support members in a portion of a building to an anchoring device extending from another portion of the building. The hold-down may include a first flange having securement apertures therethrough configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the first flange to the first support member. A second flange may have securement apertures configured to receive fasteners adapted to secure the second flange to the second support member. A base may connect the first and second flanges and have an aperture sized and positioned to receive the anchoring device therethrough. The first and second flanges may be configured to be loaded substantially exclusively in tension by the anchoring device.

Abstract: A corner assembly for concrete form panels has a pair of rigid members. Each member has a bend therein to form a selected dihedral angle. Each member has horizontal slots formed therein and receiver plates which are received in the slots and extend through the concrete panel forms. The receiver plates are connected by a bridge member. The members are spaced apart by a selected distance and a removable bridge is disposed between the pair of rigid members. At least one concrete panel form is juxtapositioned to and connected to each of the rigid members. One of the rigid members is disposed exteriorly of the at least one concrete panel form. Concrete is disposed interiorly of the at least one concrete panel form. The corner assembly is adjustable to provide support for the corner of the construction.

Abstract: A device and method for mounting structures to masonry. The device has a cover plate with a plurality of extendable and retractable straps and is used to cover a hole in a masonry wall, while providing temporary support to various structural items to be attached to the masonry wall. Each strap also engages the inner surface of the masonry wall. The straps preferably have a series of ridges that engage the cover plate such that sufficient resistance is provided to temporarily affix various objects to be embedded in the masonry wall. The straps position the plate on the front surface of the masonry wall such that it is generally concentric with the masonry hole. Grout is then poured into the hollow cavity behind the masonry wall, thus securing the embedded material permanently. The cover plate is preferably transparent to allow the user to determine that the wall and hole are property grouted.

Abstract: A low impact foundation system requiring little or no excavation, and allowing for the preservation of the soil and drainage characteristics of the site upon which it is erected. The system utilizes small obliquely driven piles in combination with a pre-cast component designed to engage a standard foundation wall.

Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single bore multiple anchorage in which a plurality of unit anchorages (2, 4) are contained in a single bore, the unit anchorages (2, 4) each comprising a tendon (12, 14) having a bond length bonded to the bore grout and a free length, wherein at least one of the tendons comprises a synthetic polymeric material. The ground anchorage means may be made by placing a plurality of unit anchorages in a bore, pouring grout into the bore and stressing each of the tends separately and locking the stressed tendons individually with respect to the anchor head.